Chapter 239
Chapter 239. The Order of Things
Kiiin, gakiin! The fierce sounds of clashing swords echoed through the air.
“Wooohhh!”
“Hahhh!”
Blades collided, sending sparks flying in the night training grounds!
Here I am, Zilbagias, deep in training with Virosa.
It’s fierce enough to draw the attention of castle officials who have come to watch. Virosa is assuming the role of a “Sword Saint supported by a high-elf grade mage,” meaning all curses have to be deflected.
In other words, I was engaging in a full-fledged hand-to-hand battle with a Sword Saint using only minor curses for distraction.
Wow, this is strong, strong indeed. I’ve been sliced nearly ten times already.
A spear made of human bones gets sliced right through no matter how much magic power flows through it, making it utterly useless for defense. Virosa doesn’t hold back either, slicing without hesitation.
Since my protective spells are being shattered like glass, they only serve as a temporary delay. I’m not using my true power, so this setup is a handicap.
“Shh!”
As I exhale sharply, Virosa’s exquisite blade pierces my magical barrier.
If I took it head-on, it would certainly slice me cleanly in half. But I managed to deflect it with my Adamas in my right hand.
Since I’ve had my spear cut in half multiple times now, I’m forced into this odd battle style where I hold Adamas as a sword in my right hand and wield a flexible bone spear (also acting as a shield) in my left.
Even the Sword Saint’s strikes, which slice through marquis-level protective spells like butter, are easily held off by Adamas. This is a holy sword that stood firm against the Demon Lord’s spear, so no casual blow while I’m dormant is gonna cut it!
“Hmph!”
As Virosa swung her sword, I countered by smashing my bone spear into her torso. But just before it hit, with the trademark swift feet of a Sword Saint, Virosa vanished from view.
—My neck tingled.
I swung my Adamas behind me to intercept Virosa’s attack from the rear.
“—Raaah!”
Then, just as I swung back my left-hand spear, I stabbed into her.
As the magical bone blade sliced through her clothes, Virosa barely dodged in the nick of time, executing a beautiful yet sharp strike—
My left arm flew off at the shoulder.
At the same moment, Adamas plunged into Virosa’s abdomen.
“Guh…”
Coughing up blood, Virosa collapsed. Oh no…! The onlookers gasped, and I pressed down hard on my shoulder wound to stop the bleeding.
“Well, well, another draw…”
In addition, I used the Teleportation Spell to take on Virosa’s wound, all while I coughed blood and chuckled bitterly.
Liliana, who had rushed over whimpering, began to lick me. Ah, how soothing… oops, before that, can I just grab my arm? It’s faster to reattach it than to regrow it.
“This should be a victory for His Highness…”
Standing up while stroking her uninjured abdomen, Virosa. She seems to smile wryly, though it carries a hint of bitterness.
“Thanks to the Teleportation Spell, losing a single arm is not too severe…”
“No, that’s under the assumption the Teleportation Spell doesn’t work.”
If I lost an arm, I’d be surrounded by the remaining priests and mages who should’ve been supporting the Sword Saint, making things very tough for me.
“That may be true, but to have failed to strike your neck despite being so careful, I can only shame myself.”
Virosa looked regretful. Well, given she’s been engaging in a close-quarters battle without curses, it’s quite a big deal she can’t consistently win. Also, she’s doing this against a six-year-old.
After about ten rounds, she’s only managed to put a blade to my neck twice. The rest have been draws or my victories. It’s 2 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses for her.
If I were a bit more cautious about injuries, Virosa’s win rate would surely increase.
However, because of the Teleportation Spell, I’m used to pain and loss, allowing me to tactically decide when unavoidable blows can be taken while striking back. But without the Teleportation Spell afterwards, things would get dire, so for me, a draw is a loss.
…Well, in actual combat, very few could completely counter my Teleportation Spell, and using my true name would only amplify my magic power. The fact that I could potentially turn the tide if my Teleportation Spell lands makes it extremely troublesome…
The onlookers—mostly Night Elves, Beastmen, and Hobgoblins—understand this, watching me with looks of awe as if thinking, “This guy’s trouble…”
…Turning the tide, huh.
Barbara too… through the resurrection Teleportation Spell…..
“…Shall we wrap things up?”
I decided to stop thinking further.
Alright, thanks to Liliana, my wounds are healed. Thanks as always.
“Woof!”
Liliana looked at me with a smile that could surely wag a tail.
“Let’s continue like this, Virosa. It’s only because of you that we can clash so freely.”
“I’m honored, Your Highness. I feel invigorated and will continue to push myself in training.”
Virosa bowed politely, but I could tell she was secretly fired up. Despite her main trade being espionage, the fact she’s so dedicated to the path of the sword speaks volumes. She likely believes it’s a shame if she doesn’t at least overwhelm me in close combat.
“Indeed. Let us continue to elevate each other.”
Training by sparring with a Sword Saint is a luxury not afforded even within allied territory. I hope it continues to benefit my own training as well.
“Anyone else who wants to join, feel free to speak up. If it’s just during training, I might even heal some old wounds.”
At my words, the onlookers exchanged glances, a mixture of intrigue and clear hesitation.
“Hmm… indeed, a little something to add.”
I spotted Tavo’s face among the spectators and beckoned him over.
“Yes, Your Highness. How can I assist you?”
“Inform the district citizens. Those with wounds severe enough that they’re useless to help, I’ll heal them… during training, of course.”
“Eh… what? Understood…”
Tavo blinked in surprise, making notes.
Yes… just a side project. This is purely on the side…!
“Hmm. I read your report, and it said the priests are all mere apprentices, making little progress in healing. They need to get their act together and start training hard…”
I spoke as if it were the most sensible thing in the world.
“Understood… how many can I accommodate?”
You can’t mean everyone, right? Tavo seemed to think.
“Let’s say ten per day. Prioritize the severely wounded or ill, I can handle them together after training, so have them summoned before dawn.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Starting at dawn tomorrow… I’ll immediately inform the responsible persons.”
Tavo bowed and departed.
Good, good. That gives it a nice aura.
“Ah, I’m all covered in blood again…”
As always, this is what happens with combat-style training. It doesn’t bother me during the fight, but once it settles down, the discomfort is overwhelming.
“Liliana, you’re fine now, so don’t worry.”
Oh darn, Liliana got all bloodied too. Well, time for a bath…
